Tammy Hotko Marlewski.
Firefighters are responding to a second structure fire in Marengo, just two hours after a fire in downtown Marengo Friday afternoon.
The Marengo Fire Protection District and other fire departments were called around 2:07 p.m. Friday to a structure fire at a house next to Cafe 20 in the 700 block of East Grant Highway.
Woodstock firefighters arrived first and found a house that was fully involved in flames. A witness who called 911 told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that no one was inside the house or near it and it was possibly under renovation.
The fire has since been placed under control.
Two hours prior, a dozen fire departments were called around 12:25 p.m. to the 100 block of South State Street for a structure fire in downtown Marengo.
A fire started in the alley behind Flatlander Market, 125 South State Street, and firefighters arrived to find heavy flames and smoke showing from the building. Police officers and firefighters evacuated the buildings in the area.
The Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) was activated to the second alarm level, bringing around a dozen fire departments to assist at the scene. The fire was under control by around 1 p.m.
“It started somehow between our neighbors dumpster and a parked car. Everyone is safe! At this point we’re suspecting smoke damage and a couple window replacements to our vacant upstairs. As for the main floor we don’t know what to expect. We’re all waiting outside for updates as they continue to work on controlling the situation,” Rachel Landorf, an employee at Flatlanders Market said.
The City of Marengo asked residents to avoid the downtown area and use alternative routes. Police closed streets from Grant Highway to Railroad Street along with Washington and Prairie Street.
“Residents may notice reduced water pressure while the hydrants are in use. If anyone is displaced, please come to City Hall for assistance,” the City of Marengo said on social media.
Firefighters remain at the scene of both fires, in which a cause is under investigation by the Marengo Fire Protection District, who have not released any official information about either fire.